Morning Meditation

Good Morning and Happy Thursday!
We are now starting the book of James

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-3 (NIV)

Perseverance
The intensely painful throbbing that was present where his eyes should have been was only rivaled by the deep wound that was left in his heart. Samson was betrayed by passion. The mighty Samson, the judge of Israel, full of wisdom and cunning was outwitted by desire. And he had no one to blame but himself as he labored for his enemies while shackled in a prison in Gaza. (Judges 16:21)
The bible doesn’t mention how long Samson was imprisoned, but it was long enough for his hair to begin growing back. (Judges 16:22)
This gave Samson enough time to meditate on his mistakes, persevere, and come to a place of emotional and spiritual maturity. By the time he was taken out of that Philistine prison, his tone towards God differed sharply from prior chapters in the book of Judges. He called God his “Sovereign Lord” and beseeched the Lord with respect. (Judges 16:28)
As difficult as it may be to carry the burdens of our trials, perseverance during the trials of life is a pathway to maturity. At times we may mistakenly take a detour that leads us to a place of intense suffering. At other times, suffering may come to us through unwelcome circumstances. Regardless of how we arrive at our trial, if we persevere, we will arrive at the divinely appointed destination.
Be encouraged!